The hype
Travelers adore the staff and the peaceful village vibe, often calling it a 'sanctuary' from the island's chaos.
Vedema Resort
$330-750/ night
Book this if You want the 'real' Santorini village life without the cruise ship crush of Oia, and you don't mind trading a caldera view for a private vineyard estate.
Why People Love It
- Authentic 'village within a village' architecture built around a 400-year-old winery
- Dead quiet compared to the zoo that is Fira/Oia
- Access to the Istoria Hotel beach club on Perivolos black sand beach
Quick Take: A stunning, historic fortress of solitude that feels more like a wealthy friend's estate than a hotel, provided you don't get stuck in one of the unrenovated 'Dorian' suites.
Reviewed by @myendlessbucketlist: I stayed in this suite at Vedema and it was a total dream. Having my own terrace to watch the blue domes without fighting crowds was priceless. The fireplace added such a cozy vibe at night, and the service was top-tier. Definitely the romantic escape we needed.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Guests consistently complain about the high price of food and drink on-site, noting you can eat better for half the price a two-minute walk away in the village square.
- You value privacy and silence over being in the center of the action
- You are a wine nerd (the 400-year-old cellar is legit)
- You want a resort that feels like a traditional Greek village, not a glass box
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.8
- Housekeeping: Twice daily service, generally excellent. Turndown includes water and treats.
- Bathroom hygiene: Spotless marble, though some older rooms have slow drains or 'tired' grout.
- Maintenance: Grounds are manicured to perfection. Some complaints about hot tubs breaking down or peeling paint in unrenovated rooms.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp linens. Pool towels can sometimes be scarce if the attendant is away.
- Odors & scents: Fresh sea breeze and jasmine in the gardens; no musty smells reported in renovated suites.
Sleepability™
8.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Church bells (charming but audible)
- Wind howling on gusty nights
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel runs a free shuttle to Fira and their sister property's beach club on Perivolos beach.
- Breakfast is often not included in the base rate and costs upwards of €40/person—book a package or eat in the village.
- The 'city tax' is around €15/night, payable at checkout.
What to pack
- sturdy sandals (cobblestones are everywhere)
- A light jacket for the wind, even in summer evenings
- US/EU power adapter (outlets can be scarce in older rooms)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Olympian Villa (for the private pool and vineyard views)
- Aegean Suite (often includes a terrace jacuzzi and better renovation status than Dorians)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Dorian Suites near the road (can be darker and noisier)
- Any room not explicitly confirmed as 'renovated' if you are sensitive to dated decor
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am celebrating a special occasion and would love a room with a 'polka dot' stone wall feature if possible. Please prioritize a renovated suite away from the main road; we prefer natural light over a ground-floor location.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Does Vedema have a caldera view?
No. It is located inland in the village of Megalochori. You get vineyard and distant sea views, but not the famous caldera cliff view.
Is the breakfast worth the price?
Debatable. It's a high-quality buffet with champagne, but for €40+ you can feast like a king at a local bakery or tavern in the village square for a fraction of the cost.
Is there a beach nearby?
Not walking distance. The hotel provides a shuttle to Perivolos Beach (black sand) where guests get access to the Istoria Hotel beach club.
Is it suitable for families?
Surprisingly yes. The 'village' layout is safe for kids to roam, and the Presidential Villa sleeps 6. It's not 'kid-focused' but it is kid-friendly.
How is the gym?
It's a 'cave gym'—atmospheric but small. Functional for a quick cardio session, but don't expect a full Equinox experience.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes! You are steps away from the Megalochori village square which has excellent, authentic tavernas.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask to see the 'Grandmother's Room' near the spa—it's an unbookable, preserved room with lace curtains belonging to the owner's family.
- ✨
The 'polka dot' walls (white stone with black volcanic rocks embedded) are a unique architectural detail to look out for.
- ✨
Walk to Gavalas Winery (2 mins away) for a tasting that's cheaper and more authentic than the hotel's offering.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Grandmother's Room' that is kept as a shrine to the owner's family history.
💡Suzy, the resident cat who owns the place and will likely join you for breakfast.
💡The wind tunnel effect at the main pool—hold onto your hat.
💡The 'run down' room lottery—standard rooms vary significantly in freshness.
💡The fact that you can hear the church bells mark the hour (bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Vedema Resort is located and what's nearby.